I didn't know that joint pain was a side effect of menopause
By NJ Chicaa
@NJChicaa (120054)
United States
August 27, 2024 10:58am CST
I'm not going to lie--I don't go to the gynecologist regularly. I probably haven't been in 15+ years. I have never tried to have children and used non-prescription methods of birth control. They can keep their paper aprons. 
The last time the monthly visitor showed up was last May so that's well over a year. Technically I am now considered in menopause at the age of 47. Fine with me. I'm still not throwing out the tampons though because as soon as I do I know I will wake up to a mess. 
Something I've noticed in the past year is that my joints really hurt these days. My hips and knees are hot messes. When I wake up in the morning I want to just kind of lay there and wake up and relax but my body hurts and is all like "get out of bed!"
I'm a member of a Gen X woman's group on Facebook and they discuss all of these aging things. I recently read that joint pain is a common thing that happens with menopause. Treatments can include hormone replacement therapy (no thanks) and supplements. I need to look further into the supplements. I mean I admit that I'm old but not old enough for my joints to hurt this much.
The last time the monthly visitor showed up was last May so that's well over a year. Technically I am now considered in menopause at the age of 47. Fine with me. I'm still not throwing out the tampons though because as soon as I do I know I will wake up to a mess.
Something I've noticed in the past year is that my joints really hurt these days. My hips and knees are hot messes. When I wake up in the morning I want to just kind of lay there and wake up and relax but my body hurts and is all like "get out of bed!"
I'm a member of a Gen X woman's group on Facebook and they discuss all of these aging things. I recently read that joint pain is a common thing that happens with menopause. Treatments can include hormone replacement therapy (no thanks) and supplements. I need to look further into the supplements. I mean I admit that I'm old but not old enough for my joints to hurt this much.10 people like this
8 responses
@FourWalls (68888)
• United States
27 Aug
Might be a fibromyalgia thing, too. My doctor said that’s easy to diagnose because you hurt in the same place on both sides, it’s not like your right knee hurts and your left one doesn’t.
Getting old ain’t for sissies!
3 people like this
@sallypup (61563)
• Centralia, Washington
27 Aug
@FourWalls I was told I have fibro years ago. Physical therapist just waved her hand at me when I said that. In other words, don't use that Fibro as an excuse to sit on my butt.
3 people like this
@FourWalls (68888)
• United States
27 Aug
@sallypup — my doctor said there is debate over whether it’s a physical condition with psychological side effects or a psychological condition with physical side effects. He thought it’s the former, definitely. It’s not a life threatening condition, so they won’t spend billions to see if there’s a correlation with menopause or hormone fluctuations, which i understand. But dang it can be painful!
2 people like this
@patgalca (18390)
• Orangeville, Ontario
27 Aug
I have fibromyalgia and arthritis so these pains having to do with menopause are new to me. I have been post-menopausal for 10 years, but I haven't had those pains all those years, only the last couple of years which means it's all a part of aging. I think once you have gone one year you are considered post-menopausal. I am fortunate that I never had any hot flashes. I know I was moody but I've always been moody.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (80635)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
27 Aug
I was an early starter on my monthly and it began at age 12. When I finally got to menopause I had a very bad bout of bleeding for a while and then it just shut off like a tap, I got lucky that like my mom I had no complaints of menopausal symptoms and just whizzed through, Best of luck to you, Hope this can give you some ideas.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/menopause-and-joint-pain-8558699
2 people like this
@arunima25 (87855)
• Bangalore, India
27 Aug
I am also 47 and having my periods regularly on time. Well, I carry genes of late menopause. My mom and grandma had it till they were 54. But yes, I have started with menopausal symptoms like mood swings. And my joint pains started after my Covid infection
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (90295)
• Arvada, Colorado
28 Aug
You are wise not to be falling into that replacement hormone trap..you don't need them.
I never had joint pain or anything like it.
Flew through meno with no symptoms at all..lucky I guess.
@LindaOHio (181177)
• United States
28 Aug
I'd suggest you go to a doctor for the pain and for a pap test; but I know you have your own agenda. I hope you feel better soon. Have a good day.
